“It all started with a t-shirt......On a beautiful day in the early 90’s, while golfing on an American course, John Talerico spotted a tshirt that read “I love Italian Golf!”. That slogan started him thinking about initiating a charity golf event back home in Lethbridge. Upon return, John approached Tony Rose and Rocco Suriano, past co-owners of Coco Pazzo Italian Cafe. They all agreed that a charity golf tournament with an Italian theme was just what Lethbridge was waiting for. Months passed, but Tony and Rocco would not let John forget about his great idea – every time John stopped into their restaurant they would encourage him to start making it a reality.

Making the dream come true....

John realized that the Tournament’s success would be contingent on two things – inviting special Patrons to honour the event and choosing a compelling charity.

Val & Flora Matteotti were invited to attach their prestigious name to the event as Tournament Patrons. Val served as Honorary Tournmente Presidente for 19 years. Flora hosts the Sponsor Appreciation Dinner that is held each year on the eve of the tournament. At the tournament awards banquet, the renowned Cash give-away takes place, where the Matteotti’s hand out $7,000 cash.

Thanks to John Talerico’s inspiration, Tony Rose and Rocco Suriano’s persistence, Val and Flora Matteotti's support and the compelling cause of health care in our community, the Italian Open Golf Scramble has become one of the most prestigious and successful golf tournaments in Southern Alberta.

Since its inception 20 years ago, this premiere golf tournament has raised more than $1,200,000 for the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation. The proceeds of the Val Matteotti Italian Open have been distributed throughout the Chinook Regional Hospital, supporting state-of-the-art equipment purchases, special projects and programs. The reach of the impact of is not only felt far and wide within our hospital, but proudly within our community.

Grazie to our 2015 Sponsors!

Major Tournament Sponsors

Corporate Sponsors

The proceeds of the Italian Open have been distributed to
support equipment, programs and special projects throughout
the Chinook Regional Hospital. The reach of the
monies raised is felt far and wide in our community.
Thank you sincerely for your support.